Banyan Tree Private Collection Pioneers With First Asset-Backed Destination Club In Asia

Date: March 18, 2009

Launched in 2006, Banyan Tree Private Collection is the first asset-backed destination club in Asia offering perpetual and transferable membership. Targeting discerning individuals, it offers members bespoke travel experiences as well as the luxury of a second home without the hefty expense or hassles of owning a property. Members can enjoy access to a portfolio of luxury villas and apartments at some of the world’s most divine destinations every year. Furthermore, since membership is perpetual, members not only enjoy a lifetime of travel, but can also transfer the membership to their loved ones.

Banyan Tree Private Collection boasts one of the most attractive fees in the destination club industry, with membership priced at a one-time joining fee and annual fees starting at US$120,000 and US$3,000 respectively. Members receive seven to fourteen days a year at the club’s worldwide destinations and can lock in a lifetime of vacations at the present price level and the payback period of the initial outlay is within four to seven years.

Banyan Tree Private Collection members enjoy asset-protection as the club’s properties around the globe are safeguarded by an independent company, with shares held by trustee shareholders. Membership value is likely to increase over time, as room rates increase and the expanding global portfolio gives wider destination choices, contributing to membership prestige.

“With Banyan Tree Private Collection, we have created a platform for our loyal customers to share memorable travel experiences with families, and make staying at Banyan Tree properties a lifestyle for life,” says Marina Kleiman, Managing Director, Banyan Tree Private Collection.

Members have total flexibility and freedom on how they split their annual entitlement stay, where they want to travel and when they want to travel. Currently, Banyan Tree Private Collection owns the top category villas within Banyan Tree resorts at Phuket, Thailand; Bintan, Indonesia; Ringha, China and Seychelles, as well as stand-alone private villas and luxury apartments in Tuscany, Italy; Grasse, France; London, United Kingdom; and Kyoto, Japan.

The selection of “Associate Villas”, which avail members to more destinations though some stay restrictions apply, are located in Banyan Tree properties in Lijiang, China; Bangkok, Thailand; Madivaru, Maldives and Mayakoba, Mexico. For members who prefer to explore the pristine beaches at their leisure, a 47-foot twin hulled catamaran at Banyan Tree Seychelles is available for cruises, fishing trips as well as dive excursions. The club’s portfolio will continue to expand to over 20 destinations to offer members a wide variety of choices.

For those who desire tailor-made holidays, the club’s dedicated membership services managers and resort hosts provide holiday planning services and can arrange unique destination-specific experiences ranging from spiritual temple treks and special diving sessions with marine researchers, to in-villa dining with dishes prepared using olive oil pressed from the Banyan Tree Private Collection Tuscan property’s private olive grove.

Additional membership privileges include free green fees at Banyan Tree’s golf clubs in Phuket and Bintan and full access to all Banyan Tree resort facilities and amenities during entitlement stays, as well as discounts for extension stays, food & beverage, spa treatments and purchases at the Banyan Tree Galleries.

More information on Banyan Tree Private Collection may be found online at www.btprivatecollection.com. Membership enquiries may be directed to membership services at +852 2312-1815 or sales-hongkong@btprivatecollection.com.

About Banyan Tree Private Collection

Banyan Tree Private Collection is the first asset-backed destination club in Asia to offer perpetual and transferable membership. Managed by Banyan Tree group, Banyan Tree Private Collection will have a portfolio of over 20 destinations including properties in new destinations currently under development. Presently, the Club’s own villas are located in Phuket, Thailand; Seychelles; Bintan, Indonesia and Ringha in China, while associate villas are in Lijiang, China; Bangkok, Thailand; Riviera Maya, Mexico; and Madivaru, Maldives. Over the next few years, Banyan Tree Private Collection is expected to add villas in Bali, Indonesia; Kerala, India; Jiuzhaigou and Guilin, China, Marrakech, Morocco and Pylos, Greece.